Certified Master Pastry Chef®

The Certified Master Pastry Chef® (CMPC®) possesses the highest degree of professional knowledge, skill and mastery of cooking techniques as they apply to baking and pastry only after the candidate has passed an intensive 8-day examination.

CMPC® exam candidates are expected to have exemplary organizational, sanitation, mentoring, baking and pastry skills. Every aspect of this exam is designed to verify those skills, and candidates are evaluated from the time of arrival until the kitchen is clean on the final day.

General Qualification Guidelines

Possess the practiced skills to perform baking and pastry arts to the highest standards.

Have a foundation of quality experience and education in advanced level courses, externships and/or competitions.

Be physically and mentally prepared to perform eight days under extreme pressure.

Applications will be reviewed by the CMC/CMPC subcommittee and qualified candidates will become CMPC active candidate and receive information regarding the next scheduled exam date. From this point forward, the candidate will be subject to all policies and procedures regarding the exam.

Tuition Payments, Refunds and Other Expenses

Once a candidate has committed to a future exam date, the payment schedule is listed below.

The application fee of $300 is nonrefundable and entitles the candidate to be listed as a preparatory candidate for the next three exams.

Exam fees vary by location. Please contact the National Office for additional information.

All other expenses associated with taking the exam (travel, room, board, etc.) are the responsibility of the candidate. This includes any charges required by the host institution for makeup exams.

Recertification

Master chef recertification is required every five years. Chefs should use the Recertification Application and document 80 hours of continuing education. Certified Master Pastry Chefs are exempt from taking the three mandatory refreshers.